The Hawaiian Genocide of 1893

August 21st marked 61 years since Hawaii unwillingly became part of the United States. In 1893, the United States colonized and used excessive force to conduce a genocide to take over the Hawaiian's Hawaii. It has now been 124 years since the illegal occupation of Hawaii.

In 1893, the United States' army overthrew Hawaii's Queen Liliʻuokalani. Thirteen businessmen had their eyes set on setting up a coup in Hawaii which would benefit American sugar plantation owners. Shortly after American government and influences moved into Hawaii, they tried to assimilate natives to american culture. Their languages and cultural observations such as traditional tattooing were no longer accepted. Children had to attend schools where their history would not be built into the history curriculum nor offering their languages as an elective.

A settlement between Hawaii and the Clinton administration gave 45 acres of land back to natives as they peacefully protested for roughly 15 months prior. However, his public apology for the gentrification of Hawaii was an apology without change. The land given back to the people did nothing to ease the tension. But the movement pushed by the "Nation of Hawaii" helped ring some noise into the ears of the American government.

Today we still have US military bases in Hawaii along with the wealthy such as Mark Zuckerberg continuously destroying Hawaiian culture by pushing natives off of their land. Likewise, the United States is trying to set up a telescope on Hawaii's main island despite that location being a sacred space and temple for Hawaiians. What many Americans don't know or see because it is far from the tourist destinations, there is a small native town, Waimanalo. This is the epicenter of the sovereignty movement and the primary place of living for any Hawaiian native. Luckily there are optimistic activists in Waimanalo and other villages that practice their traditions and protect their territory. In the end of the day American's need to recognize one simple fact: America stole Hawaii's sovereignty.

Lebanon Needs Your Help

The August 4th blast that took place in Beirut, Lebanon shook the country to its core as it now faces reconstruction. Lebanon has experienced debt, poverty, and political instability as they have been through various wars. This small country in the Middle East has much more to offer than what meets the eye, however. They have welcomed refugees with open arms despite their economic situation and put humanity before their desires. Now, Lebanon needs the world's help.

With an estimated $15 Billion in damages, the country is primarily relying on aid from other countries. Coronavirus alone has been a major issue for the majority of countries around the world and Lebanon too is no different.

Quick History on Lebanon After the Ottoman empire collapsed, Lebanon was under France's control from 1918-1943. Soon after gaining their independence, they welcomed Palestinian refugees while Israel took over Palestine in 1948. To this day Lebanon and Israel are at odds as Israel tried to advance into Lebanon's territory. Tensions gradually arose between the Palestinians that moved to Lebanon and the Lebanese militias. It comes at no surprise that the United States decides invading the Middle East will magically lead to stability when in fact it did not; hence why American troops left in 1984. After the 2000s, Lebanon faced corrupt leaders that did not bring change to the Lebanese people, however, a revolution has been on its way. Protesting for their rights became more common and hopefully will restore power to the people as new leaders can turn the country's current climate around. Please try to understand the history behind countries that don't get proper media attention or light cast upon them. There is more to Lebanon than the tragedies we hear of but right now what Lebanon needs is financial support from readers like you.

Women vs. Mexico

In Mexico, there has historically been gender inequality but since the female worker's national strike in March, there has been a rise in gender violence. To voice their truth and reality of working women, a well-devised plan cost the Mexican economy a loss exceeding $300 million. 21 million women stood in solidarity as the #MeToo movement helped them to socially and economically protest the unspoken oppression. Rape, torture, and abuse of all kinds have been tolerated in Mexico but no more.

The momentum of worldwide recognition for combatting gender violence gave millions a platform. Statistics show 2/3 of women ages 15+ have experienced abuse in one or another. A police report does need to lead to an investigation because of the broken justice system as the government is controlled by misogynists. From organizing boycotts to filing restraining orders, women are making enormous progress in Mexico.

The murderers of young girls have not been brought to justice as FEMICIDE is becoming more common. Femicide is defined as a "sex-based hate crime term, broadly defined as the intentional killing of females (women or girls) because they are females, though definitions vary depending on its cultural context." As feminist organizations are concurring in Mexico, please circulate more information on what is going on behind closed doors across Mexico.

*The information in this article is specifically about Mexico and not other countries.